Pelosi: Resolution on Michael Jackson unnecessary

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Date: Friday, July 10, 2009, 2:09 am
By: SUZANNE GAMBOA,Associated Press Writers

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. gestures during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP PHOTO)

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shut the door Thursday to a resolution honoring Michael Jackson because debate on the symbolic measure could raise "contrary views" about the pop star's life.

Lawmakers are free to use House speeches "to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish," said Pelosi, D-Calif. "I don't think it's necessary for us to have a resolution."

A resolution sponsored by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, cites some of the singer's charitable acts and proclaims him an American legend, musical icon and world humanitarian.

Even before Pelosi's comments, some Democrats said privately they did not support the resolution and a divisive debate would hurt House efforts to muster the votes for priorities such as health care and climate change.

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., who posted a video on YouTube calling Michael Jackson a "pervert" and a "pedophile," has pledged to do all he could to block the resolution.

Michael Jackson was acquitted in 2005 of charges that he molested a 13-year-old boy. Those allegations, and his admission that children slept in his bed at his home but nothing sexual occurred, have led some members of Congress to put distance between themselves and any formal honor for the entertainer.

"A resolution, I think, would open up to contrary views to — that are not necessary at this time to be expressed in association with a resolution whose purpose is quite different," Pelosi said at a Capitol Hill news conference where she discussed various legislative matters.

Unbowed, Jackson Lee said she will seek support from colleagues who thanked her when she introduced the measure June 26, one day after Michael Jackson died. She said honorary resolutions don't often "pass the next day."

"On this floor we elevate people and doing that we have to work to tell your story," she said after a House vote. But she would need support from Democratic leadership for the resolution to advance to the full House from the committee where it is now.

When members of the Congressional Black Caucus held a moment of silence in the House after Jackson died June 25, some lawmakers walked out of the chamber.

Jackson Lee has pledged that the resolution, now before the House Foreign Affairs Committee where she is a member, would come to the full House for debate. Such honorary measures normally move quickly from committee to the full House and pass on a voice vote.

But Jackson Lee's resolution was in trouble early. It drew only one co-sponsor, Rep. Diane Watson, D-Calif., and was not endorsed by other black caucus members.

From the stage at Jackson's memorial Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jackson Lee hoisted a framed copy of the resolution.

___

Associated Press writer Jim Abrams contributed to this report.

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Comments On this Article

....but whyte people,DON'T get it twisted---I did say,the 'whyte-skinned" M.J.!!! Cus u see,there has NEVER,or will there EVER,be a whyte guy who could DANCE in M.J.'s dance shoes--hence his A.A. heritage:M.J. was the TOTAL ENTERTAINER--and BLACK---and u guys CAN'T EVER TAKE THAT!!!!!

by
Rubinisk
July 16, 2009, 3:43 pm
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What people need to understand is the PSYCHOLOGY of M.J.!!! He was honed to be a star since the age of birth!!!! He was told by his own pappy,that he was UGLY,and then he had to contend with whyte music exects,as well as those ALREADY established musicians,whom were told in the early 60's to put their blackness on the back porch,couple that with his overhearing a diva proclaiming that 'black men',were not gentleman,muliply that by the same diva in question opening up his nose,yes, I said it,opening up his nose at a very early age,& VOILA----the 'whyte skinned' M.J.!!!!!

by
Rubinisk
July 16, 2009, 3:38 pm
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I think a moment of silence by Congress was appropriate. It would also be appropriate each time Congress meets to do the same for the soldiers lost in this non-sense war. Maybe they'll feel bad and get tired of observing all these deaths.

Mike made some awesome music and definitely deserves the 'King of Pop' title; however, he was eccentric to say the least. Its sad for me to say, but he didn't want to be black or have black children which is hurtful.

by
Pmbslc
July 12, 2009, 11:11 pm
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I also have to say that I have known many NATIONAL HEROES that made the world a better place. Most people have never heard their names, nor heard them on the radio, nor saw their face on television nor the movies. Where are their crowds of appreciative fans?

by
Frednelson
July 10, 2009, 8:43 pm
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I think any recognition by CONGRESS is respectful. A moment of silence for Michael Jackson was already observed by CONGRESS.
I have to ask:
Where are the moments of silence for those soldiers that fall while serving this country and the American people?
Why isn't this reported?
Every time a soldier is killed in Iraq or Afghanistan, or anywhere there should be a moment of silence in CONGRESS !
After all aren't they the ones responsible for sending the soldiers in the first place?

Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it.

by
Frednelson
July 10, 2009, 8:42 pm
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